Author Note: I am SO sorry I haven't written. Well, truthfully the apology should say that I haven't POSTED. I've written plenty. Some stories will be for my eyes only and were written just to satisfy my overactive imagination. However, I WILL post some. This one isn't QUITE how I had expected it and was a rewrite for the original. But I think this one turned out better. But as for the reason of my lack of posting, my internet has been down and then my hard drive had to be replaced plus I'm having to fight three other people for usage of the internet and one can spend FOREVER on it (no names). PLUS I've been needing to work and the Christmas season is coming up in the retail world. But now I'm back and I haven't forgotten my earlier work and sequels ARE coming for SOME of my work.

Full Summary: What if James and Lily had survived that dreadful night? What if they had gone into hiding after Harry defeated Voldemort for the first time? What if Harry had a best friend in his childhood? Read and find out in this 'rewrite' of the first four books of the famous Harry Potter Series.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor the 4 books that will be covered and the characters that can be found in them. Those belong to J.K. Rowling. This story is Alternative Universe which means that there are a few plot changes so that my story can make more sense

Prologue: Prongs

(A/N: The school doesn't know the identities of the Marauders)

Petunia Evans (soon to be Dursley) and Lily Evans (not sure who she was going to marry, but it sure wouldn't be James Potter) were standing in front of two graves. Both girls were wearing black dresses

"What now?" 16 year old Lily asked her sister.

"Well, I'M moving in with Vernon." 19 year old Petunia said. "As for you…well, I could care less."

Petunia left her sister. Lily dropped to her knees and sobbed. Everyone believed that Rose and Martin Evans were killed by a gas leak. That wasn't true, and Lily and Petunia knew it. They had been murdered by Death Eaters.

Suddenly, there was movement in the forest nearby. She didn't care. Nobody loved her.

"W-Who's there?" she asked as tears streaked from her green eyes.

Something came out of the bushes. It was a stag. Slowly, it walked over to her and looked at the stones on the ground as if reading them. Then…it nuzzled her in a comforting manner

"Thanks." She told the stag sadly. "I have nowhere to go."

The stag made a motion for her wand.

"I'm too young." She said "Wait! Dumbledore! He'll know what to do!"

She stood up and hugged the stag.

"Thanks." She said. "I may never see you again, but…would you mind visiting me again when I return?"

The stag made a nodding motion.

"Thanks." She repeated looking into the hazel eyes of her new comforter. There was something familiar about those eyes. "I'll see you later, Prongs."

She turned after running a few feet to find that the stag was gone

0000

As she wrote a letter to Dumbledore, she thought of why she named the stag Prongs.

The namesake was one of the legendary marauders. No one in the school could figure out their identity. They were the best kept secret of the school. Master pranksters. Even better than Potter, Black, Pettigrew, and Lupin. That dastardly quartet (as Lily called them) were so predictable. But the Marauders…these modern day Robin Hoods were smart. They were never caught. And their pranks…so original. And they were all secret admirers to three Gryffindor girls and one Hufflepuff.

The weird thing was, there was no way to tell which houses they were in. Each of the love letters were decked with different house shields at each letter. In Alice Prewitt's opinion, they were all from different houses.

Her eyes landed on her latest letter from her secret Marauder admirer.

My Loveliest Lily,

With my sources, I have acquired the news of your beloved parents' sudden departure from our world. I offer you my deepest condolences. Always remember that you have friends who will strive at any length to make you happy once more. While I myself do not know the loss that you suffer, I fear everyday that one day I might. I wish I didn't have to hide my identity from you so that I may comfort you in your time of need

Always remember that the ones who leave are never truly gone. While your parents' mortal flesh become one with the Earth as our first forefathers, their spirits, the part of them that you truly loved, are with you in your heart looking after you. They will be their when you go on your first date, they will watch your future husband propose in the most elegant fashion, they shall be their for your wedding walking right next to you as you walk down the aisle, they will be there when you have your child, and so forth.

I wish I could comfort you in person, but I fear that my words would have to suffice. Unfortunately, I must leave my quill and this parchment for my mother calls and I do not dare disobey her.

Yours forever,

Prongs

She smiled at the letter. She had named the stag Prongs for the very reason that he was there to comfort her when the human Prongs could not, though he wished it. She then turned to her note.

Professor Dumbledore,

As you know, my parents had been murdered by You-Know-Who. Unfortunately, I have nowhere else to go. I am currently staying in our old house which has been sold. The new family is moving in tomorrow. My sister refuses to give me shelter. Is there anyway I could come to school early or even a nice temporary foster home? Please?

Yours truly,

Lily Evans

She sent the owl.

0000

However, Dumbledore didn't get the message in time. Lily had to be out of the house by noon (according to Petunia).

Lily ended up camping at the graveyard sobbing. She had no home. Her friends were out of town. She had no clue who the human Prongs was…

She felt a nuzzle on her shoulder. Quickly, she turned and saw the stag Prongs. He started for the forest, but stopped and looked back as if asking her to follow. Since she had nowhere to go, she followed.

When they were deeper in the thicket, she heard voices in the graveyard. She turned and saw Death eaters.

"Now where did that little mudblood go?" one asked. "We intercepted her letter, so the old fool doesn't know she's homeless."

She felt a nudge and the stag motioned her to get on. She followed and he quietly snuck deeper into the forest. She rode for what seemed like hours before she fell asleep.

When she woke up, she was in bushes. Prongs the stag was nowhere to be seen and she was at the gates of a large manor.

Suddenly, thunder rumbled. Looking up, she saw dark clouds rolling in. As she got up, she found a piece of parchment on the ground. Picking it up, she read it.

My redheaded beauty,

I see you have met my non-pet familiar. I was deeply honored you named him after me. Unfortunately, I had to bring him home. He has a play date with Moony's familiar, though I believe he would rather stay with you. However, a promise is a promise.

As for why you are where you are, allow me to explain. My father works at the Ministry. The place is swarming with Death Eaters, much as the Minister likes to deny it. He overheard them talking about intercepting the 'Evans girl's letter' and I overheard him talking to my mother. As Prongs the stag took you away, my father and a team of aurors had planed to apprehend these abusers of magic in the hopes that they wouldn't be too late. I didn't want the risk, so I had my familiar bring you to the safest place I could think of.

Now, I must warn you. You may not like it at first considering the family, but let me be the first to assure you that you would be perfectly safe. The man of the house is a skilled auror, as good as my father. The woman of the house is a doting mother and trained healer. As for the heir…well, let me assure you that his personality at school can be described as being on the other side of the looking glass. Please explain to whoever answers the door of your dilemma and you will be guaranteed safety. There are enough wards on the house to rival Gringotts and Hogwarts combined. And should any school children in the house ask why you are there, tell them that Prongs sent you.

I am yours forever,

Prongs (the human)

Lily smiled and walked over to the gate.

Then it started to rain.

"State your name!" the lion on the gate said.

"L-Lily Evans. I was sent here by Prongs. I have nowhere to go and Death Eaters are after me because I'm muggleborn."

The gates opened and she entered.

"You are safe here Lily Evans." The gate said as it closed

Lily walked up to the large doors that towered over her. She carefully knocked on the door

The door opened to reveal a redheaded woman with hazel eyes.

"May I help you, Young Lady?" she asked.

"Please." Lily said almost begging. "My parents were killed by You-Know-Who and my sister has more or less disowned me. I have nowhere to go and all my friends are out of town. I was brought here by the familiar of my secret admirer under the understanding that this was the safest place."

"Calm down." The woman said. "Getting excited in your condition in this rain is not healthy. Come inside and we'll get you dried off and you can tell me everything over a nice cup of tea."

"Thank you Mrs…"

"Call me Elizabeth."

0000

Once Lily was dried, Elizabeth handed her a cup of warm tea.

"Thank you Ma'am." Lily said

"Now, why don't you tell me what's the trouble?" Elizabeth said.

"My name is Lily Evans." Lily said. "I'm a muggleborn witch"

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to stop you for a brief moment." Elizabeth said.

She walked over to a portrait.

"Eric?" she requested.

A man who reminded Lily of Potter appeared.

"Yes Liz?" Eric said

"please go to the Ministry and then Hogwarts to tell Charles and Albus that Miss. Evans is here safe and sound."

"Yes Ma'am." Eric said before vanishing.

"Sorry about that." Elizabeth apologized. "Please continue."

"Anyways," Lily said. "My parents were murdered by You-Know-Who's men. My sister is getting married. Both she and her fiancé hate magic. She's always calling me a freak. And my friends are currently out of the country. I have nowhere to go."

"Well, you can stay here for as long as you like. My son usually keeps to himself during the summer. For the time being…do you like books?"

"Yes Ma'am." She said.

"Then you'll love our library." She said pointing to the double doors. "I'll get the house elves to prepare a room for you."

"Thank you." Lily said finishing her tea and going into the library.

She walked straight into heaven.

BOOKS!

She grabbed a book off the shelf on magical creatures and started reading unaware of the observer on the second floor landing.

Suddenly her head snapped from the book and she pulled out her letter.

his personality at school can be described as being on the other side of the looking glass.

KNOCK KNOCK

She got up and went to the door to see who was entering. She nearly dropped her book when she heard Elizabeth say, "Hello Sirius. What brings you here?"

"I can't take it anymore Mrs. P!" Sirius said, to Lily's surprise, sounding desperate. "My brother…there's this illegal club for upcoming Death Eaters…Regulus joined them. My parents are so proud, it's sickening."

"Well, come on in and we'll get you dried off. Trixy."

"Yes Mistress Lizzy?"

"Please tell James that Sirius is here." Elizabeth told the elf before turning to Sirius. "Are you SURE, Sirius?"

"Yes. His older student 'tutor' stopped by and gave the 'good news' to my parents."

"Who's the tutor?"

"Snape." Sirius said. "As if it's not bad enough attempting a more legal form of the Cruciatus on first years. Now he's teaching my own brother to do it."

"What do you mean a more legal form of the Cruciatus?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sirius?" James Potter's voice came. "What did your parents do this time?"

"Allow Snivillus to teach Regulus 'Cruciminum.'" Sirius said.

"James." Elizabeth said warningly.

"What?" James asked innocently.

"What are you hiding? I know that look. And Sirius mentioned that Snape attempted it on first years."

"You TOLD her?!" James asked

"I didn't say what happened." Sirius said.

James sighed. "It was shot at them, but I took it."

"Are you okay?!" Elizabeth asked in horror.

"Yeah. It happened last year, Mum. Don't worry."

"Why didn't you say anything, James Andrew Potter?"

Lily's suspicions were confirmed.

"Remus told Aunt Minerva it was a different curse and I asked the others not to tell. It didn't hurt THAT much."

"Better than Remus' deranged rabbit?" Sirius asked

"Okay. A LITTLE worse." James said.

"Why didn't you go to another prefect. One who would tell the truth?" Elizabeth asked.

"Like who? Evans? She stands up for Snape as it is. What would I say? Hi Evans, your Slytherin friend just used a semi-less intense form of an Unforgivable on me while trying it out on first years. She wouldn't believe me."

"Well, maybe if you were more your true self instead of hiding behind all those pranks…" Elizabeth said.

"Mum. I CAN'T be my true self at school! It's mock central!"

"Even though you told that first year the CORRECT directions to McGonagall's classroom. Or when you helped that third year get to Dumbledore's office and spent 5 minutes helping him list every sweet known to wizard?" Sirius listed

"How was I suppose to know he'd use a muggle candy?" James asked.

"The point is I've seen you be a polite gentleman at school." Sirius said. "Maybe if you tried it around Evans, she might go out with you."

"It's too late for that." James said. "I think I'll move on anyways."

"Excuse me?" Sirius asked. "Whatever happened to, and I quote, 'A Potter NEVER gives up!'"

"This wouldn't happen to be Lily Evans now, would it?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yeah." James said. "Lily Rose Evans. Name fits. She's as gorgeous as a flower and her middle name describes her personality. Gotta watch out for the thorns"

"James. I've heard it before. It got old your fourth year." Elizabeth said "My point is Lily Evans is here."

"WHAT?!" the two boys exclaimed.

"Library?" Sirius guessed.

"Yes. She said that she was saved by Death Eaters by a stag sent to her by a secret admirer called Prongs. And boys, I want you two on your BEST behavior. She's had a rough summer."

"Yes Ma'am." They chorused

0000

The hours passed and the two boys avoided Lily. She decided to explore the mansion.

"That was a huge risk." Sirius voice came from a door.

"What? Sending her 'Prongs'? Cut her some slack, Mate. Her PARENTS were killed and her own SISTER doesn't want her."

"True" Sirius asked. "I mean…from what I've heard, Evans' sister is a muggle version of my family. I had a great aunt who was a squib and she was INSTANTLY disowned. But still, who would want a bossy know-it-all hanging around?"

Silence

"Don't give me that look." Sirius continued. "Only reasons I associate with her is A. She's Jenkins' friend and B. Your obsession."

"I am NOT obsessed!"

"Suuuure." Sirius said sarcastically.

There was the sound of a door opening.

"Red and green décor in your closest? Hate to break it to ya Jamie, but it's not Christmas. And besides, I thought you HATED green."

"If you would observe, this is NOT the same green as the Slytherin color."

"It's not?" Sirius asked sarcastically.

"No. It's has more light to it."

"Like Evans' eyes?"

Sirius' comment was followed by his bark-like laughter.

"Gotcha Prmmph…"

"Shhh. Who knows who's listening?" James whispered harshly.

Lily was confused.

0000

The next morning,

Lily went down to breakfast to see Sirius stuffing himself.

"Efanfes!" he greeted with his mouth full.

"That is disgusting Black." She said. "What are you doing here?"

"I didn't like it at my place, so I left" Sirius said. "Potter Manor is more fun. Quidditch pitch, inside swimming pool, closet monuments to..."

"SIRIUS!"

The two whipped their heads to the kitchen door and saw James

"You have closet monuments to Black?" Lily teased.

"Hell no." James said. "There are no closet monuments. Unless Sirius here put one of Jenkins in his room."

"There you are." Elizabeth said coming into the room. "James, sweetheart, I need you to go to Diagon Alley to get some stuff for me."

"Yes Mum." James said with no argument. "And Mum, could you PLEASE not call me any pet names around Evans and Sirius?"

"Okay." She said.

James took her list and left the room.

"Ta ta sweetheart!" Sirius mocked.

James threw a glare at his friend then turned to Lily and softened his look.

"We'll talk later, Evans."

He left.

"Was your room comfortable Dear?" Elizabeth asked Lily.

'Yes Ma'am. Thank you." Lily said

The trio ate in silence. When that was over, Lily went to the parlor with a book from the Potter Library.

About fifteen minutes later the floo system activated in the hall and a male voice called out almost desperately.

"LIZ!"

"Charles what…" Elizabeth's voice came before stopping short. "Oh Merlin, what happened!?"

"Death Eaters." The man, Charles, said "The Jenkins and the Oxfords are back in town and they were attacked while shopping."

This caught Lily's attention.

"Are they okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yeah. He threw himself in front of the two curses aimed at the girls. Both Cruciatus." He said as his voice grew fainter. They were walking away.

Lily slowly followed them after seeing James Potter's unconscious form in his father's arms.

She hid behind the corner as the Potters got their son into his room and closed the door. She walked over to the door and stood against the wall waiting. Waiting for the story behind why Potter was unconscious.

About thirty minutes later, the door opened and Elizabeth was wiping away tears.

"Elizabeth?" Lily asked with concerned.

"I…I think it would be best if you heard the whole thing." Elizabeth said with a broken voice. "Charles?"

"I was at work when I got a call about Diagon Alley being attacked. Luke Jenkins works with me and had just gotten back from vacation. I believe you know his daughter Spica, Miss. Evans?"

"Yes. She's one of my best friends. As is Melissa Oxford."

"Anyways, when we got there, we found Death Eaters swarming the street. Suddenly, Luke heard his daughter scream as well as another girl. We were too far away, but we did get a glimpse. Two Death Eaters were coming up to them. Spica and Melissa were so close together…both Death Eaters used the cruciatus and just as I was about to curse them, the spells were headed towards the girls and then…out of nowhere…James takes both curses at once."

"Is he okay?" she asked in shock not caring about the fact that she was suppose to hate his guts.

"We're not sure." Elizabeth said.

"I had to dodge curses to get a clear shot." Charles said. "He was under double cruciatus for 15 minutes."

"Can I…?" Lily asked. "I want to be a healer and…"

"Sure." Elizabeth said.

Lily walked in and saw Potter in his bed breathing heavily and whimpering as if he was still in pain. She couldn't believe it. He looked so…weak. But since when did she care? Was it because he had saved her two best friends?

After a few minutes, she walked out into the gardens.

"Prongs!" she called for the stag. "PRONGS! I need to talk to someone!"

"WOOF!"

She turned and saw a large black dog with a letter in his mouth. He gave it to her and she held it out pinching it between her thumb and index finger as the doggie drool dripped.

"Lovely." She said opening it vowing to wash her hands. It was the handwriting of one of the Marauders…but not Prongs

Miss. Lily Evans

It breaks my heart to say it, but it will be a long while before Mr. Prongs is able to write. He and his familiar were gravely injured. He instructed me that if anything harm should befall him, that I was to send my familiar, the dog, to comfort you in the place of his stag. Dogs are extremely loyal, almost to a fault. I hope he would be of service.

Sincerely,

Mr. Padfoot

P.S. Please inform Miss. Jenkins that I give my regards.

This CAN'T be happening. First she gets confused over her own feelings for Potter and NOW her two comforters were also injured.

"I guess you'll do." She sighed to the dog as she sat on a bench in the garden. "Oh Snuffles, what am I going to do? I mean…I CAN'T be developing feelings for Potter. But…when I saw him just now…my heart just…broke. But I love Mr. Prongs."

The dog whined.

"True." She said scratching the dog behind the ears as she spoke her thoughts out loud. "I don't really know Prongs. But he's sweet and romantic. Nothing like Potter. But then again, Prongs did say that Potter's personality at school was like going through the looking glass."

She then looked at the dog. "You'll be here when I need you right?"

"Woof." The dog bark and nuzzled her hand.

0000

Lily was on her way to bed when she heard a voice coming from James' bedroom. It was Sirius, so she didn't pay him too much mind until…

"Snuffles!" Sirius said as if complaining. "Of all the names, Snuffles. Surely you didn't tell her in one of your letters, right? And she got your nickname right on the dot, Prongs."

Lily almost dropped the book in her hands. Her admirer was in Potter's room with Potter and Black.

"C'mon Mate." Sirius begged (Black? BEGGING?) "Wake up. Evans needs you right now. Look. I was never one to tell the girls, but…I don't know. Maybe we SHOULD come clean. I mean…It's bad enough with Evans developing feelings for you, but she also cares about your alter ego. I swear Prongs, only you can have triple lives."

Triple life?

The next morning, Lily went to go check on Potter. He had woken up the day before, but his mind had been badly affected. He could go either way now. Elizabeth said that the curses ended JUST at the mark of 'too long.' Lily knew the dangers. He could either come around or be a different type of insane than he had been last month forever.

"Potter?" she asked

He just stared at the canopy of his bed.

"I just wanted to say thanks for saving my friends." She said.

As she turned to go, she got a good look at his room. It was HUGE. And there was a large desk in the corner. Curiously, she walked over to it and saw papers scattered about. Some were maps of the castle, other were letters. All addressed to Prongs from Moony, Wormtail, and Padfoot.

Even though she knew it was wrong, she looked at some of them.

Prongs,

Full moon last night. I swear the minute we graduate I'm going to KILL Greyback for putting me through this. It's so much easier with you guys around. I noticed that the wolf missed you guys. It thinks of you guys as part of its pack. Not that I blame it.

Do you know if Evans and the other girls know about my condition? I've been hinting about it in my letters to Oxford. I just need to know so that in case she gets the connection. If she does, then we're screwed and it'll be all my fault.

I gotta go. Mum wants me to rest.

Moony

P.S. I got the pictures developed. They're enclosed.

She laid the letter down and picked up the only picture which had Lupin, Pettigrew, Black, and Potter in it waving at her. She turned it over and nearly dropped it in shock

Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs: Best Friends Forever/ Spring 1976

She ran from the room to her own room and closed the door and leaned on it in shock. It made perfect sense. Too MUCH sense!

Moony…as in the Full Moon. She knew about Remus' condition. She had known since 2nd year since she overheard Black, Potter, and Pettigrew start obsessing over werewolves. That took her into her own obsession. Being the clever witch she was, she had figured it out.

Then Prongs and Padfoot…she didn't know how they came up with those names. Maybe by their familiars. But she got that letter from Padfoot almost as soon as she went to go look for Prongs the stag. The letter said that he had been injured. Potter had been injured. And Black must have known about the incident. He was Potter's best friend.

Suddenly, she remembered the clues

Pettigrew almost calling Black 'Padfoot' last May

Potter's father was an auror…just like Prongs'

Black almost calling Potter 'Prongs'

Seeing the O on Potter's Transfiguration test as it was handed back. The one on animagi.

How Black knew about the stag and the dog

The secrecy

KNOCK KNOCK

"Who's there?" she asked.

"It's me." Black's voice came.

She opened the door and saw Sirius.

I realized you know the truth now." He said.

"A-About what?" she asked playing the ignorant card.

"Please. I SAW you run out of the room and the papers out of order." Sirius said.

"Look." She said. "I know it wasn't my place, but…I'm glad I know."

Sirius crossed his arms as if waiting for her to continue.

"Because it proved that there IS more than meets the eye. I was starting to worry that I was falling for an arrogant toerag."

"And now…"

"Now I feel that if I give him a chance…it'll be worth it." She said. "And if you're worried about Remus…I've known since 2nd year and I haven't told anyone. Not even Spica and Mel."

"Good." Sirius said. "Now what?"

"Can I talk to your familiar, Padfoot?" She requested.

He looked a little hesitant. What is it with these guys? They're not acting like themselves.

"Black?" she asked.

"Evans…what I'm about to tell you…you can't tell ANYBODY! Not Mr. or Mrs. Potter. Not McGonagall. Not Dumbledore. NOBODY!"

"What?" she asked.

"Do I have your word?"

"Yes." She said. "My lips are sealed."

Suddenly…he transformed into a dog. But not just any dog. Snuffles

Lily fainted

0000

The week went by and Sirius explained to Lily about the Marauders and why they prank and why the animagus gig. It seemed like James was nowhere near getting better.

Monday,

James opened his eyes as his mother was looking him over. She didn't pay too much mind. He had opened his eyes many times. However, this time…

"Mum?" he asked quietly.

"James?" she asked and realized that her son wasn't looking at the canopy of the bed, but rather…her. "JAMES!"

She sat on the bed and pulled him into a hug.

"W-What happened?" James whispered as he winced.

"You were hit by double cruciatus for 15 minutes." Elizabeth said "You had everyone so worried. How do you feel?"

"Sore…tired…confused…hungry…and I have GOT to go."

Gently, she helped her son up and walked him to his private bathroom.

After James got to use the necessities, ate his food, everything was explained, and took a nap, he asked to see Sirius

"JAMESIE!" Sirius exclaimed happily as he entered

"Watch it Mate." James groaned "I still have a bit of a headache"

"So…maybe now wouldn't be a good time to tell you then."

"Tell me what?"

"Li-Evans knows about the Marauders. She found out when she came in to say thanks for saving Oxford and Jenkins."

James look crestfallen.

"Why don't the two of you talk this over?" Sirius suggested.

James nodded. Sirius left the room. A few seconds later, he came in with Lily.

"Hi." She said shyly.

"Hi." He repeated.

Silence.

"I'll leave you two alone." Sirius said leaving and closing the door.

"I guess you know now." James said not looking at her.

"Yeah." Lily said. "Don't worry. I won't tell. I've been keeping Remus' secret since 2nd year."

He still didn't look at her.

"You know," she told him. "When I saw you lying here in pain when your Dad brought you home, I went straight for Prongs. Imagine my surprise when Snuffles shows up with a letter covered in slobber."

"Snuffles?" James asked finally looking at her with laughter in his eyes.

"Potter." She said. "I need to know the truth. What is your TRUE personality? Please be honest"

"Will you believe me?"

"Yes."

He took a deep breath.

"The true me is really the personality of…Prongs." He told her. "Prankster in secret, scholar who could give you and Moony a run for your money, and proper gentleman in public. Prongs is me during the summer."

"So…why put on the mask at school?"

"I wanted to try something new." He told her. "Switch the role of prankster and gentleman. As for Snape…well,…I assumed you were too busy so I told Mum the truth about what had…."

"I heard." She admitted.

"You did?"

"Yes." She confirmed. "I can't believe Severus would do something like that. I'm going to have a few choice words with him on the train. But to change the subject a little…thanks for protecting my friends."

"Your welcome." James said. "Now what?"

"Now what, what?" she asked.

"Don't take this the wrong way but…you're starting to act like Sirius."

"Well, lately, he's been the only person to talk to while your Mum's at work or looking over you." She admitted. "I like to read, but I wasn't going to eat and read at the same time when there are no tests coming."

"So he's rubbing off?" James asked.

"Rather…he's growing on me." She corrected. "So…wanna try again?"

"What do you mean?" he asked.

As if to answer, she stuck out her hand.

"Hi. I'm Lily Evans."

James laughed and took it.

"James Potter. And before you ask, YES of the Potter family."

"I'm afraid I don't follow. I'm muggleborn."

"Ah. Excellent. Maybe you could answer a few questions I have about muggles at some point in time."

The two laughed.

0000

It had been three days since James' awakening and the trio was in the library. James was still a bit weak, but with the help of his two friends he was able to do stuff

"CHECK THIS OUT!" Lily called from the fourth floor landing.

She transfigured the ladder into a slide (thanks to the wards) and slid down to the ground level.

"What?" James asked

TO BECOME AN ANIMAGUS IN ONE MONTH

"What the f***?!" Sirius swore

Both Lily and James blanched and James turned to the door quickly. After a few minutes he sighed. His mother hadn't heard. Thank Merlin.

"You'll have to excuse him." James said to Lily 'It took us three years. And before you start accusing me Padfoot, you KNOW we wanted to keep it a secret from Moony."

Lily was looking through the book and raising her eyebrows at the potions involved.

"When we started the process, it was at a time when I was hiding my intelligence from my friends. If I made a potion that would rival yours and Snape's skills…" James explained

"Your image could be jeopardized?" Lily asked.

"Yeah." He confirmed.

"You know…I might be able to make this." Lily said.

"What is the world coming to?!" Sirius asked dramatically. "It's bad enough we have a GIRL Marauder, but of all people…EVANS!"

"Hey!" Lily exclaimed. "Can you imagine what I could do to my sister if I joined?"

"We have more in common than I thought." Sirius said. "We both hate our siblings."

"Scary." James said. "But don't you two worry. You have replacement siblings."

"Ew." Sirius said looking between James and Lily.

"What may I ask is the matter?" Lily asked.

"That means that you and Prongs are incestuous." Sirius said.

James slapped his hand to his forehead.

"I MEANT," James clarified. "Lily has sisters in Spica and Melissa and you have brothers in me, Moony and Wormtail."

And just as Charles came walking in (with only Lily noticing), James added

"And don't you go accusing me of incest when you are JUST as guilty."

Lily laughed at the disturbed look on the father's face.

"What's so funny?" Sirius asked.

She pointed to the auror.

"How much did you hear?" Sirius asked the wizard

"James was accusing you of incest after you apparently accused him of it." Charles said

"Sirius and I were complaining of our siblings and James just told him that he has replacement siblings in his friends. Then he looked between me and James and said 'ew' and then accused him of incest. James was JUST correcting Sirius in saying that I have sisters in my friends and he has brothers with his when you walked in."

"Sweet Merlin James, don't scare me like that." Charles said placing a hand over his heart.

"Sorry Dad." James said. "What brings you in here?"

"Just checking on you." Charles said. "School starts in a few weeks and I wanted to make sure you were still feeling up to it."

"Of course." James said. "I have a feeling this will be the best year ever."

0000

September 1,

"Thank you for allowing me to stay Mr. and Mrs. Potter." Lily said to the Potters.

"It was no trouble." Elizabeth said. "It was nice having another woman around the house."

The trio waved and got on the train.

"Well, I guess I'll see you boys after the prefect meeting." Lily said.

"Yeah." Sirius said going to go find Moony and Wormtail.

"One quick question." James said.

Oh boy. Here it comes.

"What's our relationship going to be?" James asked quietly. "Still enemies? Friends? Boyfriend/Girlfriend?"

"Let's give the school a shock and be borderline friend and boyfriend/girlfriend." She said. "But not just yet."

"Okay. Catch ya later, Evans."

"So long Potter." She said before going into the prefect cart.

"Hi Lily." Remus said when he saw her.

"Hi Remus." She greeted. "Good summer?"

"Could be worse. You?"

"Started out horrible." She said. "You-know-who's goons killed my parents. Petunia abandoned me. I was nearly attacked by death eaters. Then I find a nice safe place to stay. My host's son gets injured. I find my secret admire is injured as well as his familiar. Next thing I know, I have a boyfriend."

Yes. James and Lily had started going out in secret.

"Eventful." Remus said. "Anyone I know?"

"Probably not." She said trying to hide a smirk.

"Oh. And I'm sorry about your parents and sister." Remus added.

"It's not your fault." Lily said sadly as Remus took a sip of pumpkin juice. "Voldemort killed them. As for Petunia…well…she's a b***h"

Remus choked on his drink and every prefect turned to look at sweet, innocent, smart, non-swearing Lily Evans who had just referred to her own sister as a female dog.

"Okay prefects." The head boy said. "Let's start scheduling patrols and pick partners. Evans. You start."

"Okay." She said standing up and looking at all the choices of prefects. Snape was looking smug as if she was going to choose him. HA! After calling her a mudblood and using cruciminum on her boyfriend when aiming for first years?

"Lupin. You're with me." She said.

"Okay?" the headgirl said. "Snape."

They kept going.

After the meeting,

"Lily!" Snape called.

Lily turned as Lupin kept walking.

"I'm amazed you didn't choose me." Snape said.

"You're…" she gapped. "After you called me MUDBLOOD TO MY FACE!? It HURT Severus! We are no longer friends. I tried to stand up for you. But I've seen you for who you truly are. I know you know about my parents. I saw you watching. I spent the summer with a family of wizards. They showed me memories in a pensieve. I know the truth. I'm proud to be in Gryffindor."

Remus had stopped and watched Lily lecture Snape.

She turned and started to storm off but Snape grabbed her arm.

"Let go." She said dangerously.

"No." Snape said.

"You're hurting me!" She told him

The other prefects came out

Remus stared to pull out his wand but before it was out of his holster, Lily had kicked Snape in the balls and punched him in the face.

"NEVER touch me again." She said harshly. "If you do…well…you'll be sorry."

She walked off to find her friends.

"where did you learn to do that?" Remus asked as he caught up with her.

"I had to learn to fend for myself." She said simply

She slid open a compartment door and found Spica and Mel.

"Hey. I heard about your little Diagon Alley adventure." Lily said after closing the door allowing Remus to find the boys.

"You did?" Melissa asked.

"Even the part about who saved our keesters?" Spica asked.

"Yep. Who would have thought POTTER of all people?" Lily asked.

0000

At the feast,

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Dumbledore said "Tuck in."

The food appeared.

"Since when did Dumbledore know Einstein?" Lily asked.

"He's old enough to have known him personally." Melissa joked.

"So Lily. How was your summer?" Spica asked

"Just fine." She said. "Apart from my parents getting killed and Petunia kicking me out of her life."

Suddenly, the ceiling exploded and confetti came falling in. A large banner fell down behind the staff table

WELCOME BACK TO HOGWARTS! FOR THE NEWBIES, WE'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES. WE ARE THE MARAUDERS:

MOONY- THE SMART ONE

WORMTAIL- THE SNEAKY ONE

PADFOOT- THE STUD HOTTIE ONE

PRONGS- THE BRAVE ONE

AND FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER…

TIGER (no title available yet)

"Oh great." McGonagall groaned. "Another one."

"Wow." Melissa said. "A new Marauder. I wonder who his secret crush will be."

Lily, who had been eating, choked on her food.

In the Common Room,

"I wonder who this 'Tiger' is?" Remus asked his friends loudly as if to get a point across. He had no clue that Lily was now a member of their gang

"I guess we'll just have to find out." Sirius said innocently.

"What about you James?" Peter asked. "Do you know who he is?"

"I can say, as James Potter, I have no clue." He said before giving a quick wink at Lily who blushed.

0000

A week later,

Lily looked at the grandfather clock in the common room and left. It was time. As she walked the corridors, she pretended as if she was the prefect on patrol. When she got to the one-eyed witch, she casually leaned next to it and whispered "Dissendium" while hiding her wand in her crossed arms and leaning close enough to tap the witch

The hump on the witch widened. Taking a quick look around, she slipped in. A few minutes later, she found herself in Honeydukes. JUST as James said. She found an open window in the cellar. However, it wasn't large enough for a human. But she grinned.

Within the second, a fox was in her place. The vixen leaped onto the crates and slipped through the window and down the street to the Shrieking Shack.

When she got there, she stayed in the shadows and watched Remus pace waiting for the transformation to begin. This was it. She was going to witness a real live werewolf transformation.

Suddenly, a trap door opened and the other Marauders came in…in HUMAN form.

"Ready?" Sirius asked the werewolf.

"What's the plan tonight?" Remus asked.

James and Sirius looked around. James was the one to spot the fox in the shadows. He gave her a warm smile and answered, "I was thinking we could give Tiger the grand tour of the forest."

"Is he here?" Peter asked.

The fox stepped from the shadows. James walked over and picked her up gently as if she was a pet cat.

"Guys. Meet Tiger." James said.

"is that a GIRL fox?" Peter asked

Suddenly, Remus went ridged.

"We'll talk about her later." James said putting her down. "Get into position. Tiger. Stick with me."

He transformed into his stag form as the other two followed with the dog and the rat. Lily watched in horror as Remus transformed into the monster. It wasn't that she was scared of him, it was that she was scared FOR him. She felt someone nudge her and looked to see her boyfriend give her a reassuring nod.

Once the transformation was complete, Moony sniffed his companions and recognized them as part of his pack. Then he caught a new smell. Growling a little, he went towards the medium sized fox.

Prongs then separated the two and nuzzled the fox to show that she was a friend. Then, Tiger went up to Moony and whimpered showing that he held the dominance. Moony accepted her

0000

The next morning at the brink of sunrise,

Remus woke up in human form and looked at his companions. Wormtail was curled up on Padfoot next to where Remus' head was. Behind Padfoot was Prongs with Tiger curled up next to him. Remus gapped at the fox. He had recognized her scent last night, but his wolf form didn't know it. Now that he was human, he was able to place the scent. It was the last person he expected (aside from Snape)

LILY EVANS?!

"Prongs. Padfoot. Wormtail." Remus whispered. He paused before adding, "Lily."

The four animals woke up and transformed into humans. With Peter still on Sirius.

"Get off Wormtail." Sirius said trying to push the plump boy off.

He got his wish when Peter fell over at the sight of, "EVANS?!"

"My thoughts exactly." Remus said to Peter before turning to the trio that knew beforehand. "I'm going…"

"To the hospital wing and you lot get your arses back into the dorm before the others wake up and find you missing." The three boys chorused as if they've heard the lecture before.

"Moony gives us the same lecture every time." James explained to the baffled Lily.

"AND," Remus added.

"ooh. There's more this time." Sirius said sounding impressed

"I want ALL of you," he said looking at Lily. "to visit me and give me an explanation. ESPECIALLY as to why Lily Evans is allowing James Potter's hand to rest on her waist."

"Okay. We'll explain. C'mon guys." James said opening the trap door.

0000

"Thank Merlin it's a Saturday." Lily sighed as she climbed into bed.

She had just closed her eyes as Miss. Early Riser's (Melissa) alarm went off. The room was filled with groaned.

"Morning girls!" Melissa said cheerfully.

Lily put the pillow over her head. Why oh WHY didn't they have black drapes like the boys rather than the white. Sure they weren't see-through, but they still let light in.

"Mel." Alice said gently. "It's 7 A.M. It's Saturday. No classes, therefore, no waking us up early."

Lily finally found the weariness she had acquired. No wonder few pranks were pulled around full moon time.

A few hours later, Lily told her friends that she wanted to talk to Pomfrey about something. When she managed to avoid them, she found the Marauders in the Hospital Wing.

"Hi guys." She greeted. "Doing okay Remus?"

"Yeah." Remus said. "James was informing me about how you came about to be…one of us."

"We were just about to ask him the question of all questions." Sirius told her.

"Uh oh." Peter and Remus said.

"Naturally, Lily can't keep hiding forever." James explained. "So, over the summer, we got to thinking of expanding the Marauders a bit further."

"How MUCH further?" Remus asked.

"Spica and Mel further." Lily said "Melissa's starting to get suspicious of your condition as it is. Actually…she's already suspicious that you guys are the Marauders."

"How'd she figure that?" Peter asked.

"The only reason she's suspicious is the connection between Moony's name and his full moon absences"

"I guess we can allow them." Remus said. "How about you Pete? Think Patty's up to it."

"Nah." Peter said.

0000

The next day,

"Ladies." Lily said with a sigh as she approached her friends in the dorm. Alice was off with Frank. "I…I have a confession to make."

"Don't tell us." Spica said. "You're going out secretly with Snape."

"Why would I go out with someone who uses Cruciminum on first years?"

"Are you serious?" Melissa asked. "You saw him?!"

"No. But I overheard Prongs telling his mother about it when he thought I wasn't listening. The glare she gave him...if it was directed towards me I'd be telling her of the time I threaten to use the Imperious curse on Petunia to get her to slap Vernon."

"Scary." Melissa said with a shiver.

"You MET Prongs?!" Spica exclaimed.

"And Padfoot this summer." Lily added. "They introduced me to the others later."

"What's Padfoot like?" Spica begged

"He's actually pretty decent." She said. "C'mon. We have Hogsmede"

At Hogsmede,

"Where to first?" Melissa asked when the trio got there.

"You'll see." Lily said.

A few minutes later,

"But…but…" Spica whimpered as they stood in front of the shack "It's HAUNTED!"

"Would you go in for a Scooby Snack?" Lily teased.

Melissa laughed at the muggle reference. Lily was also laughing at the irony of her question. Spica's two crushes were actually the same person and his form was that of a large dog the size of a Great Dane (though it wasn't one).

"Must be a muggle thing." Spica muttered. "But I am NOT going in there."

"Yes we are." Lily said.

"WE are?" Melissa asked.

"Yep."

"You can't make me." Spica said

"Well?" Lily asked.

"You can't make me."

"And?"

"You CAN'T make me!"

"So?"

A few minutes later,

"I can't believe you made me." Spica pouted

"Okay." Lily called. "Who's here?!"

A trap door moved and a dog came out. Spica yelped thinking it was a grim.

"It's not a grim." Lily sighed

"You sure?" Melissa asked.

"Positive."

"In that case," Spica said. "What a cute doggie!"

She knelt down and started petting him. Padfoot started licking her.

"Look! A rat!" Melissa said pointing to the fat rat coming out of its hole. "Hello there little fella."

"You sure are good with rats." Spica said.

"What can I say? I'm an animal lover." Melissa said. "I use to have a pet rat. But Michael's pet boa ate Justin."

"I thought your rat's name was Methuselah." Lily said.

"Oh. Met died of old age. Now I have a hamster named Moony."

"And before Met was Jenner." Lily informed Spica. "But Petunia's cat got him when Mel was bringing Jen over."

"She never apologized." Mel sighed before looking up and her eyes widened. "Lily. Turn around very slowly. There's a stag right behind."

Lily whipped around but the stag didn't budge.

"Moony still in the hospital wing?" Lily asked the stag.

The stag nodded.

"that is one smart deer." Spica said.

"Moony? As in Marauder Moony? You KNOW?!" Melissa asked placing Wormtail down.

"Yes." Lily said. "I told you complete secrecy. We are in the presence of Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs."

"My Marauder crush is a dog?" Spica asked as Lily put her arm around Prong's neck.

"Yep." Lily said. "Loyal to the core. Want me to tell them, Boys?"

Spica nearly fainted when she found her arms wrapped around Sirius Black.

"We'll tell them." Sirius told her. "Hi Jenkins."

"YOU'RE Padfoot!?" Spica asked.

"The one and only."

The rat then tuned into Peter Pettigrew and the stag into James Potter.

"And Moony is Remus." James told Melissa.

"I knew it." She whispered. "Remus is a werewolf."

"is that going to be a problem?" Peter asked.

"Only the fact we can't go on moonlit walks under the full moon." Melissa said

"Don't be so sure, Mel." Lily said.

"What? You have the cure?" Melissa asked.

"No. But it helps him keep his mind" Lily said.

"I think we better start at the top." James said.

0000

A few hours later, the Marauders and the girls were visiting Remus. He was relieved to hear that Melissa accepted him for what he was.

"Now what?" Spica asked

"I have a project." Lily said. "Involving you two."

"You're sounding like a kid wanting a big surprise." Sirius said.

"What can I say?" she said. "A part of me will never grow up"

"Wait a minute." Melissa said realizing something "never grow up… Peter Pan…Lily…Tiger Lily…LILY?!"

"Yeah. So?" Lily asked.

"I can't believe this." Spica said. "Little Miss. Perfect is a Marauder."

"And it's damn lonely being the only girl." Lily told them. "What do you two say?"

""What do you mean?" Melissa asked.

"Melissa Oxford and Spica Jenkins?" James asked. "Would you like to join the Marauders?"

"You will be given full access to our supplies, full knowledge of our pranks, and the privilege of asking for use of the Map and cloak." Sirius added

"What map and cloak." Spica asked.

"Prongs' invisibility cloak and the Marauder Map." Peter said.

"The Map shows the entire school including secret passages, where everybody is, and passwords." Remus said.

"We accept." They said.

"Great." Lily said handing them each a vial of a potion.

"What's this?" Melissa asked.

"This…will allow you to come with us out on the full moons." Lily said. "I'm already one."

"You're a…but it's…Lily Evans!" Melissa stuttered.

0000

"And so your Aunts took the potion." Lily said to the baby in her arms. "Mel became a wolf and Spica became a squirrel. We spent the rest of that year pranking. I spent the next summer with the girls, but saw your Dad every day. We snuck over to your Aunt Petunia's wedding and replaced their punch with firewhiskey. The next school year, we became Head Boy and Girl and made our relationship public."

The door opened and James came in.

"Hey there Tiger." James said.

"Hey Prongs." She said with a laugh.

"How's Prongslet doing?"

"He's fine." Lily said at the beaming boy who was reaching for his Daddy.

"Come here you." James said reaching for his son. "Umph. You're getting heavy. What are you feeding this kid behind my back?"

"The usual. Milk. Strained carrots. Mashed potatoes. Strained corn. Cheerios. Not all at once mind you."

The baby reached for his dad's glasses.

"Dada-Pongs." The baby squealed.

"That's right Sweetie." Lily said

The baby yawned.

"C'mon Cutie." Lily said taking her son. "Let Daddy get some rest."

James gave his son a kiss before giving him back to Lily and plopping down on the couch where his wife had been sitting. He noticed the shoe box on the coffee table. He looked in and saw pictures of his friends before and after the girls joined. He also saw Prongs' letters to Lily. Including the letter from Padfoot.

"I was just telling Harry the story of when I joined." Lily's voice came from behind him a few minutes later. "Not that he'll remember, but it was worth telling it."

He turned and smiled at her.

"So…?" she asked as she went around the couch and sat down next to him "When do we go into hiding?"

"Day before Halloween." James said "Scared?"

She nodded.

"Don't worry. Wormtail will be perfectly safe. I'm going to bed."

"I'll be up in a minute." Lily said.

James left.

Lily thought about something she had learned when she became an animagus. The animal once became reflects personality. The spy was either Sirius, Remus, or Peter. Sirius, the dog, was loyal. So it was either Remus or Peter. Remus was smart. One who would be useful in Voldemort's gang.

Then she thought of Sirius' reasoning for the switch.

"Nobody would suspect Wormtail."

Lily got up and went to the bookshelf and grabbed a dictionary.

Rat: 1. A long-tailed rodent similar to the mouse but larger, esp. one of the genus Rattus. 2. And animal similar to a rat. 3. Slang.

Lily sighed as she read the third definition.

One who is despicable and sneaky, esp. one who betray or informs on one's associates.

"I am so sorry guys." She whispered. "I just can't convince them."

000

The next morning,

"James. Read this." Lily said thrusting the animagus book into his hands trying one last time to convince him that he was an idiot.

"It's just the part of animagus having the personality of their animal." James said getting ready to leave for work.

"Now this!" she said holding out a ripped page from the dictionary with "rat" and the third definition highlighted.

"Yeah. So wh…" James started but the third definition caught his eye.

"I took it upon myself to do some research." Lily said. "Mrs. Pettigrew is the last of her family besides Wormtail. AND is an only child. Mr. Pettigrew died last year as an only child. Peter HAS no aunts, uncles, or grandparents."

"Then…who has he been seeing?" James asked. "Unless…!"

"The long sleeve shirts, the vanishing acts, his arm hurting,…" Lily listed her clues.

"Hi guys!" Sirius said coming in.

"PAFOO!" Harry squealed

"Hiya kiddo."

"Padfoot?" James asked. "What do you know about Peter's aunt?"

"she is one sick lady who needs to kick the bucket so she can stop suffering." Sirius said.

"Both Mrs. And Mr. Pettigrew are only children." Lily told him.

Silence

"Are you sure?" Sirius asked horrified.

"I asked Mrs. Pettigrew." Lily said. "I was concerned because Wormtail's gone so much. Also…I was in my fox form and I saw him talking to Bellatrix. They were talking about how he's going to be our secret keeper and Voldemort's going to attack the day after."

"That two-faced rat." Sirius swore. "But what do we do? The charm's almost ready to go."

James looked around and saw his son eating his breakfast.

"We act like we don't know anything." James said "Lily. That black book in my trunk has an EXTREMELY complicated potion. Think you can make it?"

"I'll try." She said. "What does it do?"

"It protects the body against spells that can kill." James said. "Avada Kedavra will just knock you out for five minutes. Sirius, the day of Halloween after the charm is in place, tell Dumbledore in front of as many witnesses possible of the switch. Preferably Ministry officials."

"Right." Sirius said before turning to Lily. "Please get the potion right."

"I have yet to find a potion I can't handle." Lily said.

To be continued….

Next time:

Halloween, Sirius runs into Dumbledore at the Ministry with the rest of the Order and gives the news to everyone at once. That night, the Potter household is found in ruins with no sign of mother, father, or son. Ten years later, a young girl in Bristol get her letter to Hogwarts only to find that her best friend's parents are magical.